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Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Whimsical Wednesday Challenge: Autumn and Halloween Have Crept Into Our Homes!

Hello, my sweet friends! I hope your day is off to a wonderful start. :o)

It's another Whimsical Wednesday! The challenge this week is all about seasonal home decor, whether celebrating Autumn or Halloween. I'd love to see your projects, so I hope you'll join us! :o)

I chose to write a passage and create a wall hanging showcasing it. With the proper backing added, it can also be set upon an armoire or table, whichever the recipient desires. :o) (No need to squint... I'll type the text below the images!) If you understandably skip through my jibber-jabber, don't miss the end of this post because there's a second project! :o)
Text:
Immersed in splendor,
the heart dances.
The beauty of Autumn entices;
its radiance a tangible sunset.
Golden and scarlet, rich and pure.
A spectrum of color so majestic
it could only be painted with God's love.

I wrote the itty bitty passage after enjoying and reflecting upon beautiful fall foliage near my home. Something so exquisite can only come from a divine touch, which I tried to capture in the writing. With that as my base, I wanted to keep the surrounding design simple, yet beautiful... I wanted to enhance the showcased writing as opposed to detracting from it. (You guys know I can go a little nutty with adding stuff to my creations!) The background script in the paper makes me think of Autumn memories being written on your heart as they occur. This simple design had room for a few special elements, though.

First is the passage itself. I used my new Wall Decor and More cartridge, which I am in love with. When I saw the scrolly 'love' penned so gorgeously, I knew that would be my ending. It's such a simple touch, but I love the impact of that fabulous word standing out. :o) I still felt it needed something to really embrace Autumn and the Lord's work, so I cut out the swirly tree from the same cart to use as a mask. After carefully adhering it atop the passage using ridiculously teeny tiny pieces of double-sided tape, I went crazy with Tiger Lily Glimmer Mist. Oh the relief upon removing it without tearing the writing! :o) Pure at its core, then bursting with seasonal regal tones. It's super shimmery, too.

Secondly, I made the flowers I've been longing to try! My lovely and talented friend Sherrie at Sherrie Scraps with Passion created a tutorial last month, teaching us how to make gorgeous flowers out of coffee filters and Glimmer Mist. (Thank you, Sherrie!) They are fun, easy, and beautiful. I somehow managed to get pictures that eliminated nearly all of the pretty sparkle... rest assured, these could not possibly get any sparklier. Glimmer Mist is amazing and I am SO excited to finally have some. The colors I used for my flowers are Candy Apple Red and Tiger Lily. Sherrie's pictures accurately portray these beauties, unlike yours truly's. (I think I need to take a day to practice photographing projects. Seriously.)
Tutorial: Coffee Filter Flowers

As far as the rest of the design, I wanted the focus to remain on nature's beauty. I trimmed the polka-dot leaves in gold, reflecting the sparkling warmth of nature. I partially (but securely) adhered them, leaving them nearly pop-dotted for a dimensional element. The flourish represents an Autumn breeze, beginning from behind and swirling up and over the top.. carrying and guiding the butterfly. Now closer to the message, the larger butterfly has developed its intricate beauty, sparkling from within with the light of the Lord. :o) The flourish is also sprayed with Tiger Lily Glimmer Mist. (I couldn't put it down!) Lastly, I added some pretty crinkle ribbon in earthy brown from Prairie Bird Boutique. I hope this fun little project makes your heart all warm and fuzzy, like it does mine. I think I need to make one for myself! :o)

I'm super excited because we are also showcasing Mr. Cricut Crazy stamps, created by the amazing Tanner! He is one sweet and talented crafter and I am so honored to be using one of his stamps. He is a delight! I made a bookmark for my mom, using my Copics to color a fabulous digi stamp created by my friend and Design Team sister Cindy of Cindy's Little Creations.

I'm happy to say my mom loves it! I welded two borders from Elegant Edges for the bookmark and used paper that is naturally vintagey/distressed to replicate the look of a worn out, well-read book. As an added bonus, it even has areas of faint writing and sparkly elements. :o) I lined up the heart with the bookmark so the paper seamlessly flows, despite the multiple parts. She loves animals, so combining puppy elements from Tanner and Cindy was ideal! I stamped (and sparklified) paw prints because they're always traipsing across her books (and newspapers) as she's trying to read. See how the sentiment is in between two of them? It's like when you're in the middle of something, then all of a sudden you simply *need* to tell your sweetheart, parent, friend, etc. that you love them... and then you carry on with your activity. :o) The focal element is that sweet puppy Cindy designed, nestling in the ruffled heart, practically bursting out of it just like furry friends make our hearts overflow with joy. :o) She was fun to color. I added two specks of Stardust to her eyes to make them twinkly and used Cotton Candy Stickles for her sweet bow. Even though it'll be smooshed, I couldn't resist adding some crinkle ribbon. At least it's supposed to be crinkled, right?

I hope you'll play along with us this week and link up your wonderful creations to the Whimsical Wednesday Weekly Challenge post! Our two fabulous sponsors this week have provided prizes for two lucky winners who participate:

1. Prairie Bird Boutique~ One random winner will receive their choice of one beautiful bundle of shabby crinkle ribbon. Thank you, Patsy!
2. Mr. Cricut Crazy~ One random winner will receive their choice of one stamp set. Thank you, Tanner!

Be sure to flutter on over to the rest of the Design Team's blogs to see their marvelous projects. :o) I'm so happy you stopped by today. :o) Love and blessings to all!

Key Recipe Components (home decor item):
 * Cricut Cartridges: Cindy Loo, Elegant Edges, Gypsy Wanderings, Wall Decor and More
 * Sentiment: Written by me
 * Paper: Bo Bunny, Papertrey Ink
 * Ribbon: Prairie Bird Boutique
 * Small Butterfly: Martha Stewart Small Monarch punch
 * Miscellaneous: Glimmer Mist, iRock, Stickles

Key Recipe Components (bookmark):
 * Cricut Cartridge: Elegant Edges, Gypsy Wanderings
 * Paper: DCWV
 * Stamps: Puppy~ Sweet Heart Puppy from Cindy's Little Creations; Sentiment~ Mr. Cricut Crazy; Paw prints: My Pink Stamper (Even More Punny-licious)
 * Copics: E25, E31, E50 (fur); R10, RV20 (ears, bow)
 * Ribbon: Prairie Bird Boutique
 * Miscellaneous: Stickles

Photobucket

20 comments:

  1. Oh Karen who could ever get tired of your jibber jabber ... I love reading your posts. And so enjoy your AWESOME creations. Your home decor is BEAUTIFUL, wish u would give a tutorial on how u did that tree, simply breathtaking... AND the book mark is just too cute, love what u wrote about being interrupted to tell someone u "love them"... Thank u for sharing your amazing talent... Hugs from Ukiah

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  2. Awesome Job Karen. I actually like the jibber jabber. That bookmark is just so cute. Thanks for inspiring.

    Hugs,
    Kate

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  3. Gorgeous projects Karen!!! I just love your sentiment and I love that it was inspired by the season changing! I actually loved reading through your post...very inspiring to me!! Great bookmark..cute to boot! Love it all! And I'm definitely checking out Sherrie's flowers! Thanks for the link!
    hugs,
    joni

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  4. Beautiful wall hanging, I love the colors. And that this such a cute book mark. Tfs and have a great day. :)

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  5. This is BEAUTIFUL Karen!!! I LOVE the whimsical feel of this hanging. The colors are fabulous along with the gorgeous butterflies and beautiful leaves. I adore the flowers and the sentiment is beautiful! Stunning work my friend! Thanks for the shout out...I appreciate it!!
    Btw, your bookmark is another beautiful creation. TFS!
    Sherrie K
    http://sherriescraps.blogspot.com

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  6. Karen, what you have done here is beautiful the colours are gorgeous lovely Autumn feel and the sentiment is gorgeous too! also love your bookmark another great project:) Sandra H

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  7. What a beautiful wall hanging! I love the poem and all the pretty flowers and butterflies! The bookmark is spectacular! I love the dog image and all the paw prints! Beautiful job!

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  8. ack! I so loooove your wall hanging, Sweets! The background legit looks like lovely autumn leaves, some of my most favorite flora. And I still refuse to believe those flowers are made from coffee filters. They are too pretty to come from such ordinary material. Also, I want to steal those sparkly leaves. Please and thank you. <3

    I woof you!

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  9. You have manage to create two more amazing pieces Karen. I CAN NOT pick a favorite. What a touching and beautiful Fall saying you wrote. The LOVE at the end it perfect. Wow, it must have taken a lot of time to add the tree as well, I can just see it now, how happy you were when it came out perfectly. Those little pieces are so hard to work with. Your bookmark is gorgeous too. I love the edges you used, and Cindy's digi is perfect. What fabulous inspiration Karen! Hugs:)

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  10. Karen, I love your card. Its so FALL!
    Be sure to enter it on my challenge!

    Catarina

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  11. Hi Karen,FANTASTIC job with your Home Decor Project,It is just BEAUTIFUL!And your book mark OMG GORGEOUS!I TOTALLY LOVE it,SUPER SUPER CUTE!Have a great day my friend!!:)

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  12. So gorgeous. I love the way you think deeply about the symbols and meaning in your work. I am the same and it shows in your creations. They are oozing with the heart and love poured into them.
    LOVE the colours of your wall hanging and your use of Tanner stamps is perfect! x

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  13. wow karen what a gorgeous plaque such a beautiful poem. i like that you featured it on your project. your little bookmark is really cute too cindys images are just adorable arent they :) have a great day :)

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  14. WOW on both of these! That plaque is GORGEOUS!!!!!! I can't get over it. Perfect fall colors and everything! And that bookmark is amazing. Your coloring is just right and I'm so in love with that darling bookmark! Hugs- Glora

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  15. Oh gosh Karen! This is breathtaking! The colours, the sparkle, the flowers (seriously? Coffee filters?), the poem (of COURSE you're a poet too!) - everything. I love everything. That TREE is amazing - it completely blew me away. Every detail is so delicate, so carefully created and placed. You are such an artist, my friend. :)

    And the glimmer mist. Would you believe I don't have glimmer mist? And I've never used it? I see this wall hanging and I realize I am MISSING OUT. I think I may have to run on down to Michaels and get some right now. :)

    As for the bookmark - it is adorable. :0) And...well, I am now certain that you and I are on some kind of Psychic link. And that's all I'm going to say about that for now. hee hee. ;)

    As always, you have made my day with your marvelous creations. :)

    Hugs, Nita

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  16. Oh my, Karen, before I get to the gorgeous projects...your poem is simply beautiful!! What a lovely tribute to God's majesty!! And oh wow, the wall hanging is stunning! Great minds think alike...I just did a project today with glimmer mist and a mask for my Sunday post!! Everything about your wall hanging is just perfect! The sparkly butterflies, the love, and those amazing flowers you created from Sherrie's tutorial!! Stunningly beautiful!

    And the bookmark could not be cuter!! Cindy's little dog digi is so fabulous and you did an absolutely perfect job of coloring it!! Love, love, love both of these my super-talented, super-creative, super-sparkly and super-sweet friend!! :D

    Hugs, Lisa
    indymermaid.blogspot.com

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  17. Karen your wall hanging is so stunning! I love the orange and red and the sentiment is very beautiful! The gems and leaves add just the perfect touches. Also, your bookmark is so fun! Melanie

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  18. Guess who?! TEE HEE! *dances around your blog and leaves trails of happy heart shaped leaves behind everywhere I go*

    My most sweetest sis...your creations this week made my heart pitter patter something fierce. The minute you told me that you were going to include your very own writing in your autumn project, I squeed myself something silly! WHEEEEEE!!! To me sis, your autumn creation is pure perfection...not only because of the stunning design and gorgeous presentation, but because of all the love and heart that went into the writing of your passage. You couldn't have made God any prouder Sunshine. This is a sparkling dedication to the blessings that He so graciously provides us not only at this most colourful time of the year, but also year round. Your creation is the most beautiful prayer of praise I have ever seen. *hugglers you soooo tight*

    I LOVE YOU!!!

    Tee hee! Did you see that sis? That was my tribute to your post this week where you talked about stopping the middle of a moment to tell someone you love how much they mean to you. TEE HEE! Only my Sunshine would share such a precious thing with us...this is why you are God's special one.

    OMJ! I can't stop bouncing because I am SO excited for all your sweetest followers who are going to get to read your writing this week! SQUEEE! God bless you Sunshine for sharing your heaven sent gift with us today. Getting to read words constructed from my sis's heart means the universe to me.

    Hi Precious Little Puppy!!! *smoosbers him forever* Did your mommy smile brighter than ever Sunshine when you gave it to her? I bet she is using it right now, isn't she? SOOOOOOOO WOOF YOUUUUUUUUUUUUU!!!

    "...for God loves nothing so much as the person who lives with wisdom...she is more beautiful than the sun..." Wisdom of Solomon 7:28

    *forever super squishies*
    ~~~ Christina :)

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  19. Hello my sweet friend.Love the verse you wrote,beautiful wall hanging.Amazing work as always.
    Your bookmark is fabulous.Cindy's digi is so adorable and you coloured it so perfectly.
    Have a great weekend.
    Jayne x

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  20. I love the wall hanging Karen and the words you wrote are just amazing and so true! I love how you decorated the frame. The flowers turned out beautifully as did the butterflies and swirls. Excellent job my sweet friend! xx

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Thank you for leaving some love! Have a beautifully blessed day. :o)

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